Why are some deserts, like the Namib in Africa, found right next to the ocean?

Answer: A cold ocean current chills the air so rain clouds can't form

Sea breezes blow beach sand inland and bury the soil — Blowing sand is a result of dryness, not its cause. Loose sand only piles up where rain is already scarce and few plants hold the ground in place.

A cold ocean current chills the air so rain clouds can't form ✓ — Cold water welling up along the coast chills the air right above it. Cool air trapped under warmer air is stable, so it doesn't rise to build rain clouds; the Namib gets frequent fog but almost no rain.

Salt in the sea air stops raindrops from forming — Salt in sea air actually helps raindrops start, because tiny salt specks are among the seeds water vapor condenses on. The Namib stays dry because its chilled air can't rise, not because drops lack something to form on.